Enter the Dragon (1973) - 7 stars out of 10

Enter the Dragon (1973) - 7 stars out of 10

I am not a kung fu aficionado but I know that "Enter the Dragon" is one of the best kung fu films ever made.  Bruce Lee is flat out impressive in this clinic on how to kick butt with martial arts.  His character quickly transforms from calm to lethal and back again with each fight sequence.  Even though you know that he has to win, it is nice that the hero isn't invincible and does suffer some damage along the way.  There is never a high expectation of the actors in this genre but Lee provides that memorable role that we all crave.  It is so tragic that he died prior to this film's release at the age of 32.  Like the Mozart of martial arts, film would likely be very different today if Lee had lived longer and continued to bring kung fu into the spotlight of cinema.  Jackie Chan rejuvenated it with the "Rush Hour" movies, but it just isn't the same as the raw intensity of "Enter the Dragon."  The mirror sequence is one of the most impressive cinematic sequences that I have ever seen.  I have no concept of how the camera were not visible during this portion of the film.  This film just has an overwhelming sense of cool.  Cool lead character, cool martial artists in the tournament, cool atmosphere, and cool villain with detachable weapons for hands!  Kung fu may not be your thing (as it is not mine), but "Enter the Dragon" is just one of those films that everybody must see at least once.